Diptail Pencilfish (Nannostomus eques)

Fish in the family Lebiasinidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNannostomus eques

FamilyLebiasinidae

Also known asBrown Pencilfish, Hockey-Stick Pencilfish, Three-Lined Pencilfish

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size2 in

Minimum tank size15 gallons

Water parametersTemp 74-82°F, pH 5.0-7.0, GH 1-10 dGH

Appearance

Slender brown-gold body with a dark diagonal stripe; characteristically holds a head-up, tail-down swimming posture.

Difficulty and care for the Diptail Pencilfish

Moderate

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon and Negro basins)

Keeper notes

Peaceful; swims at a head-up oblique angle and needs calm tankmates.

Log Diptail Pencilfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Diptail Pencilfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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